the computer keeps coming back with different codes each time....what should i ask them at autozone to scan for? thanks will take it to them tomorrow...still not sure what a coil on plug is....

 

ok but we need to know whether they were motorcrafts or not. if not then thats one problem. they could cause a cop to fail.

 

a coil on plug is just a coil for each individual cylinder. you have a v8 so you have 8 cop's. you can get a full set of 8 off ebay for 80bucks. and a 5.6 isnt a ford engine. its either a 4.6 v8, 5.4 v8, or 4.2 v6.
global cop's
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkw...romZR40QQ_mdoZ

 

Could him not using motorcrafts damage the new coil packs that were already installed? is a coil pack and a coil on plug the same thing? he said they told him 2 and 4 were burnt up and replaced them. the others looked ok. wont know until tomorrow what plugs they were. thanks matt for taking the time

 

5.4 sorry...80 bucks for 8 of them, are they the same as a "coil pack" they replaced 2 of them and are up to $450 already....

 

Tell them that you have an intermittent check engine light and you'd like them to pull the codes for you. They'll hook up the scanner then give you a print out of the stored codes.

 

and then bring that info back here...lol...someone will know what the codes mean?

 

if they arent the same as motorcraft then someone made one hell of a copycat motorcraft cop. they have been proven just as good as factory. but if one does have a problem then it'll be replaced for free. i think global has a lifetime warranty not sure though. maybe someone will know.

 

what do you mean by shaking?

i didn't read all the post so if someone already said this then go ahead and pass up what i said.

when a few of my coils went out in my 02 screw that would happen, then my friend had the same problem in his 01 scab and his turned out to be plugs.

so my first guess would be spark plugs first since there cheaper, then check the coils

there is an easy check for coils. have your "hubby" pop the hood while you are in the driver seat and put the truck in drive and leave your foot on the brake. have him unplug one coil at a time while you are giving the truck gas at b/w 1500-2000 rpm. if he unplugs a coil and it runs worse, that coil is good. if he unplugs one and it doesn't change chances are that coil is bad. thats what a mechanic told my friend and me to do instead of paying a buttload to ford to find the problem. his sparkplugs turned out to be bad so i can't tell you if this works or not but i have read other people saying to do that so its worth a shot checking it that way

 

thats what i was tought to do. it doesnt neccessarely mean its a cop or plug or injector, it just tells which cylinder to be paying attention to. works great though

 

All you need to do is post the codes here. You will then get answers.

 

please get code numbers and write them down, bring them to us. we'll be able to use the #'s to figure out if there is an underlying problem contributing to the missfire.

general rule of thumb with ignition problems on these modular engines, use motorcraft COPs or coil packs (97-99 4.6 used coil packs, or something around that year range). Dielectic compound is your friend, motorcraft plugs are your best choice. you may choose NGK or Denso plugs, they are top quality plugs as well. steer clear of autolites and lower quality plugs on these motors, they ARE* picky for the most part.

The mechanic NEEDS to remove the problem plugs, inspect them. spark plugs are "readable", they show certain characteristics (colorations etc) under certain conditions, this will help give an idea what to do next. they should know that, it was done back in the 70's too.

or you could start with this method if you know the problem cylinders. unplug the cop, if it runs worse your cop/plug should be OK, wouldnt hurt to replace though since your close to the suggested interval for replacement. if it doesnt run worse, unplug the same cyl's injector. same method here, just picking the source of the problem, if the problem turns out to be the injector, they're easy to replace too if they cant be cleaned.

i hope something here helps you.


*Some people get away with champions, bosch or autolites for example, but the next guy that comes on here may have an extremely opposite experience. we see much less problems and complaints from Motorcraft, NGK and Denso

 

Seriously Jethat, you usually give some good advice and are willing to help those in need. What is up with this attitude. I really thought it over and had to come back to this thread, before I commented but I had to say something. Your out of line with these comments. I think rockermom has every right like anyone else to seek help. Then if you read the posts, you would see, mait. was performed etc. etc.
Surprised you came off like this.
Just thinking of my Mom, Wife, Daughter, I would be twisted if they got an answer like you gave this lady. Don't want to start any trouble but I had to say something.

TJKinCNY

 

a coil pack is a coil that fires multiple cylinders. a cop has its own cylinder. and depending on the plugs and how they wore they could actually weaken the cop's. i'd still buy a full set of the global cop's from the link i gave you. whether you need them right now or not they are nice top keep around in case you need one now or later on. and anytime its what we are here for

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkw...romZR40QQ_mdoZ

 

You need to get on Ebay and order all 8 ($70-$80) ASAP. See if they will expedite the shipping. It will be well worth it. I just replaced mine and the truck runs excellent with better mpg. MOTORCRAFT ONLY plugs, I made the mistake and didn't last year, I pulled my plugs and put Champions with the Global COP's 2 weeks ago. Whole job was around $100.00 with my labor of course. Ouch $450.00. I don't get the math on that. 2 plugs, 2 Ford OEM COP's ($180.00 +) 2 NAPA COP's ($104.00), 3 hrs labor at most for the 2 that got changed over = $270.00 to $350.00 depending on what COP's they used.
If you have another vehicle, let the truck sit until your COP's come in, just a suggestion.
A bad misfire problem will cause the truck to shake, run and sound like crap.
I have seen where an injector plug connection had a loose wire in the connector and caused this identical problem. Ran to the junk-yard, cut a couple out for $5.00, rewired it in, corrected the problem.
Like everyone is asking, we need to get the PCM codes (p-codes) ASAP to further help you. Alot of smart guys on this site.

TJKinCNY